Axpo to focus on large-scale solar projects in Italy

14.12.23 Axpo is expanding its solar energy presence in Italy with the development of two new large-scale power plants in the north and south of the country, it was announced today. Leveraging the company’s solar expertise to further exploit its potential in Italy, a strategically important market, is part of the Axpo Group’s continuing commitment to a more sustainable energy supply.

Axpo Italia teams in Rome, Milan, and Bari are focusing on the development and construction of large-scale state-of-the-art solar plants to further advance its solar business in Italy. The subsidiary’s first project is already providing Novelis, a world leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, with green electricity directly to its factory in Lombardy, northern Italy. The 3 MWp ground-mounted system enables Novelis to produce a large part of its own electricity needs, making a substantial contribution to the company’s decarbonisation goals.

A second large-scale solar project, initiated by leading Italian agribusiness the Favella Group, has been acquired by Axpo in Calabria, southern Italy. With a capacity of 13 MWp, the facility is expected to produce around 24 GWh of electricity a year and will become operational in 2024. With their respective experience and know-how, future collaboration between Axpo and Favella could be key to the development of agrivoltaics in southern Italy.

Italy an important solar market

Axpo's strategic vision includes the ambition to develop ten gigawatts of installed solar capacity in Europe during the coming years. As these two projects demonstrate, Italy has a significant part to play in this strategy, which focuses on countries where the company has an established presence. Axpo has been active in the Italian market for more than two decades, offering tailored customer solutions and energy services to end-users.

Head of Axpo's Solar Division, Antoine Millioud, said: "Italy has enormous potential for the expansion of its solar energy production. So I am delighted to be part of the energy transition with our dedicated Italian team, which specialises in the construction, operation and maintenance of large-scale solar plants. Our investments and partnerships in the country will contribute to achieving Europe’s net zero CO2 emissions objective by 2050."

Axpo’s Managing Director in Italy, Simone Demarchi, added: "In addition to the supply of green electricity to domestic and industrial customers and the provision of PPAs and other green and structured energy products, I’m particularly pleased that we are now adding even more to our product portfolio. Enlarging our solar activities to the development of large-scale plants and offering even more extensive energy solutions in the renewable energy sector will ensure that we continue to support our customers in Italy through the energy transition."

About Axpo

Axpo is driven by a single purpose – to enable a sustainable future through innovative energy solutions.  Axpo is Switzerland's largest producer of renewable energy and an international leader in energy trading and the marketing of solar and wind power. Axpo combines the experience and expertise of more than 6,700 employees who are driven by a passion for innovation, collaboration and impactful change.  Using cutting-edge technologies, Axpo innovates to meet the evolving needs of its customers in over 30 countries across Europe, North America and Asia.

About Novelis

Novelis Inc. is driven by its purpose of shaping a sustainable world together. We are a global leader in the production of innovative aluminium products and solutions and the world's largest recycler of aluminium. Our ambition is to be the leading provider of low-carbon, sustainable aluminium solutions and to achieve a fully circular economy by partnering with our suppliers, as well as our customers in the aerospace, automotive, beverage can and specialties industries throughout North America, Europe, Asia and South America. Novelis had net sales of $18.5 billion in fiscal year 2023. Novelis is a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited, an industry leader in aluminium and copper, and the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, a multinational conglomerate based in Mumbai.

About Favella Group

The Favella Group was established in 1932 in the plain of Sibari, Calabria, Italy, and has remained in the ownership of the Rizzo family since then. As a leader in diverse sectors such as agricultural production, renewable energy, and food manufacturing, the group is dedicated to creating CO2-free products, reducing the environmental impact by 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, and operating one of the largest photovoltaic power plants in Italy. With 4 food brands and 1 cosmetics brand, they offer top-notch, innovative, and health-oriented products derived from a complete Italian supply chain, all while upholding their heritage, family principles, and environmental commitment.